Tatsuya Imai Aims to Dethrone Dodgers with Archrival
By James Moreau | 17 Jan, 2026

Tatsuya Imai fans the flames of the Astros-Dodgers rivalry by joining Houston with a clear mission to dismantle the superteam he refused to join.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have become a natural home for Japanese superstars, but pitching sensation Tatsuya Imai isn't looking to join the superteam — he’s looking to dismantle it.   Asked about the prospect of playing alongside compatriots Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, Imai’s response was ice-cold: “I’d rather take them down.”

If that provocative stance didn't incite Dodgers Nation, his landing spot certainly will.  

The Houston Astros started off 2026 by signing Imai to a 3-year $54 million deal.  While he’s a Dodgers supervillain, he’s primed to be a fan favorite in Houston.  Imai’s opening press conference included him reading a prepared statement in English and throwing up the “H” several times.  He was spotted doing the same the day before at the Texans’ game and that night at the Rockets’ game.

Under the posting agreement Houston will pay a transfer fee over $9 million to Imai’s NPB ballclub the Saitama Seibu Lions.

This past season the 27-year-old was dominant on the mound with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts.  Standing 5-11 Imai dealt 5 complete games including 3 shutouts — answering any questions about his durability.

The 3-time All-Star was lethal in his 8 seasons, averaging 8.5 strikeouts per 9 innings.

Imai is pegged to join Houston’s starting rotation and help it return to the postseason after its eight-year streak came to an end. 

The first half of the Astros’ 2026 schedule includes a 3-game homestand versus the Dodgers.  Should he take the mound at Daikin Park, all eyes will be on the rookie as he’s clearly ready to take the heat as well as bring it.